Oliver Betschart hopes to capitalise on local knowledge in his quest for glory at the Butterfield Bermuda Junior Championship at Port Royal Golf Course.

The 54-hole American Junior Golf Association tournament is being held at Betschart’s home course and he believes that gives him an edge over his rivals.

“It definitely does give me the advantage to be able to play at my home course at Port Royal,” the 15-year-old told The Royal Gazette.

“It’s supposed to be a little bit windier over the weekend now, so that also gives me the upper hand. Having the knowledge of playing in the wind at this course definitely helps, and I do think it gives me the advantage.”

Betschart, who made his PGA Tour debut at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal in November feels his game is in good shape and is heading into the championship determined to achieve victory.

“Expectations are to win and I think I have a good chance this year,” he declared.

“I know it’s not going to be easy, but as long as I keep my head in the game and don’t look too far ahead, I will be fine.

“My game is feeling pretty good right now. I have been practising every day since I got back over the holidays. I am feeling good, the course is in good condition and I am feeling ready to play my best golf.”

As for the field, Betschart said: “I have already met a bunch of great guys and I actually have one of my friends down from Canada and she’s got a great chance at winning the girls division at this AJGA event.

“It’s going to be a great competition out there and I am looking forward to competing against these guys and hopefully winning.

“The other Bermudians that are playing, they deserve it as well. They have been practising hard now for a long time and I think they are going to play really well in this tournament. Good luck to all of them.“

Dylan Muso, Sienna Mosquera, Sa-Qui Robinson and Arman Newton are the remaining local golfers in the field comprising 78 of the world’s top junior players.